I'm a non-native speaker. When I was a student of English my teachers mentioned this answer was to be avoided in formal situations, except for its literal meaning. Years later I heard it twice, as a reply to questions, in formal lectures at my professional congresses. What I want to know is whether it is proper to answer that way, when you me
an "I don't know" or "I have no idea", in formal spoken or written English.
Learn English – Is it acceptable to say “I don’t have a clue” meaning “I don’t know” in formal English
formality
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Best Answer
The Chief of Detectives in a major city's police force is at a press conference, reporting on progress solving several mysterious disappearances of prominent people. Minutes earlier, the CoD and his detectives have bemoaned among themselves that they don't have a clue. According to your English teacher, the CoD can say, in the press conference, that he doesn't have a clue. But does he say that? Of course not!
A person whose opinion counts for something can use the phrase "don't have a clue" only when it is safe -- for example, when she is among peers who are also friends, none of whom are likely to stab her in the back later.
As for the International Congress where you heard the phrase: if it was in a formal presentation, I'll bet that it was about an aspect of the subject in which everyone would agree that no one had a clue or it was a dismissive answer to a question the answerer regarded as stupid.
MDs should be especially wary of using the phrase if a hypochondriac could be anywhere within earshot.
In situations where nothing is at stake, "I don't have a clue" is OK. Such situations are unlikely to be formal.